Former staff member, Wendy Baugh, continues to reflect the Dragon’s passion and drive for social enterprise. Since February, she has been using her art to create life-altering change by selling her Kenyan art collection with 100% profit going to Peter’s Fund. Through the incredible generosity of others donating and buying her art, they hit their fundraising target within a week. Peter’s Fund has now surpassed their £6000 target and has positively changed the lives of Peter and his family.
“The arts have always been crucial to society and are considered to be the repository of a society’s collective self. They have an intrinsic ability to inspire, uplift and give joy; tell stories and influence society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time.” Wendy Baugh, Former Staff
Wendy and John began Peter’s Fund for a 2-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, living in the same Kenyan village as them. Peter lives in rural Kenya without electricity and heat, where all medicine and treatments must be paid for, making an already challenging circumstance even more difficult. The money raised through Peter’s Fund has made an immediate difference to Peter and his family. The funds have enabled his Dad, Gabriel, to buy a car, meaning he can provide a regular income for his family, move to a secure stone-built home with three rooms instead of one, and secure an education for his 5-year-old daughter, Precious.
“It is hard for many in the western world to comprehend the level of hardship and yet the resilience and strength of purpose for many living in poverty across the world. My experience in rural Kenya has been one where I have been humbled by the spirit of positivity and endeavour.” Wendy Baugh, Former Staff
The most reliable car dealership nearby is in Mombasa, a 14+ hour journey via matatu (public minibus) from Turi, where Peter’s family, John, and Wendy live. On Monday, 5 April, Gabriel bought his car, and on his return journey, picked up his first paid passengers from Nairobi, John and Wendy, returning from a trip to Lamu. They were thrilled to have this honour, and Gabriel was delighted. In owning the car, Gabriel now receives the full fee of $100, as opposed to the $10 he used to receive driving for the taxi company. He has four more trips already booked in.
“This family now has the means for improving their life in a way that would have been impossible without Wendy’s initiative and creativity and the generosity of very many people.” John Baugh, Former Headmaster
Upon dropping John and Wendy back at home, Gabriel beamed with pride as he told them about the passenger of his next trip the following morning. It was his daughter, Precious, and he was going to drive her to school.
If you wish to read further, please visit Wendy’s website.
